Why do coffees from different countries taste different? Ask the Coffee Lab!

I’m not sure I get this: Why do coffees from different countries taste different? – It all comes down to what we call terroir . Like wine, coffee expresses regional characteristics and exhibits the effects of its terroir , or “taste of place.” Differences in soil, altitude, rainfall, processing techniques, and even social conditions affect what’s in the cup. One of the most important conditions is the areas own traditions and for handling and processing coffee. Take Sumatran coffee, like our Fair Trade Sumatran Lake Tawar . Beans from Sumatra have always been highly prized not only because of their full flavor, but also because of their distinct appearance. Sumatran coffee beans, when green, are often asymmetrical in shape and have a deep aquamarine tint. The drying techniques employed by Sumatran coffee farmers also contribute to the coffee’s distinctiveness. These techni...